St. Paul's Episcopal Church (Chattanooga, Tennessee) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Tennessee
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 7th and Pine Sts., Chattanooga, Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Area | 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) |
| Built | 1881 |
| Architect | William Halsey Wood |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 78002599 |
| Added to NRHP | September 1, 1978 |
St. Paul's Episcopal Church is a historic church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is a large church that is part of the Episcopal Church. The church is known for its beautiful building and its work helping the community.
Contents
How St. Paul's Church Began
St. Paul's Episcopal Church started in 1852. At first, people met for church services in a store building. In 1853, ten families officially formed the church group.
The Church Buildings Over Time
The first church building for St. Paul's was at 8th and Chestnut Streets. During the American Civil War, this building was used as a hospital. It was badly damaged during the war.
The church repaired the building and started using it again in 1867. In 1880, the church sold this property. They bought new land at 7th and Pine Streets to build a new church.
The Current Church Building
The church building you see today was finished in 1881. It opened for services in 1888. A famous architect named William Halsey Wood from New York City designed it.
The building looks like a typical English village church. It has a tall bell tower. Inside, the main worship area, called the sanctuary, has a high wooden ceiling. It can hold about 450 people.
The bell tower holds 11 bells. These bells were made in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1911. The church building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This means it is an important historical place.
Helping the Community
St. Paul's Episcopal Church does a lot to help people in Chattanooga.
Shelters for People in Need
Since 1996, the church has had a shelter for women and children. It is called St. Catherine's Shelter. It is located in the lower part of the church building. This shelter works with the Chattanooga Community Kitchen. It can help up to 14 people at a time. In 2012, it helped 276 women and 54 children.
Church members also help with a shelter for men. This shelter is at the nearby Second Presbyterian Church. It is called St. Matthew's Men's Night Shelter. It started in 1984 as a winter shelter. Now, it helps men all year long. It provides a safe place to stay overnight for men who are working to improve their lives.
Other Community Programs
St. Paul's Church also hosts daily support groups for people needing help. They work with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. They also help with Metropolitan Ministries and other groups that serve the community.
